WESTFIELD, NJ – Protestors took to the sidewalk in front of Congressman Leonard Lance’s offices in Westfield and Flemington Tuesday to demand an investigation into President Trump’s ties with Russia.

The protests follow Trump’s firing of FBI Director James Comey and the Washington Post story that said the President shared classified information with the Russian foreign minister and ambassador, according to U.S. officials.

“We are outraged that Leonard Lance hasn’t made a statement, hasn’t asked for a special prosecutor, hasn’t asked for a bipartisan independent commission to investigate Trump ties,” protest co-organizer Marci Bandelli said. “He’s been fairly silent and now, with the situation yesterday, there’s nothing. Crickets. This man does not represent his constituents.”

Outside the office, protestors chanted “We persist to resist” and “Enough is enough.”

Lance was not in his office as he is currently in Washington, D.C., according to his office staff.

“I have concerns that Donald Trump is inept and unfit to be President,” college student Andrew Stockwell said. “I think he scares me. Having worked with classified information myself [Stockwell previously worked for General Dynamics Electric Boat], if I had done what he did yesterday I would be in jail right now.”

Stockwell’s mother, Sharon, protested along with many fellow members of the Westfield 20/20 organization, a citizen’s action group that formed in town shortly after the election to voice concerns regarding Trump.

Following protests this winter, Lance was one of 20 Republicans to vote “no” on the May 4 vote for the American Health Care Act, which passed in the House of Representatives but faces approval by the Senate.

“I feel like Lance is feeling pressure from his constituents,” Lillian Duggan, co-organizer of the protest, said. “I don’t feel he’s accurately representing the people here right now who want a thorough, bipartisan investigation.”

Tuesday evening, Lance released this statement via his Deputy Chief of Staff, John Byers:

“As a member of Congress I have access to classified information. Protecting our nation’s secrets is paramount. Divulging classified or controlled information to our adversaries endangers our national security. It jeopardizes diplomatic relations with our allies and threatens the safety and security of our troops in the field.

“National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster, who participated in the Oval Office meeting, has impeccable credentials and an unblemished reputation so I take Lt. General McMaster at his word when he says ‘at no time, at no time, were intelligence sources or methods discussed and the President did not disclose any military operations that were not already publicly known.’

“I, however, request that he, CIA Director Pompeo, Secretary of State Tillerson and Deputy National Security Adviser Powell brief Congress further on the issue immediately. Lawmakers deserve a fuller accounting of what was divulged in the Oval Office conversations with Russian diplomats. Now more than ever it is essential that the two bipartisan congressional investigations and the U.S. Department of Justice investigation move forward and that the Administration cooperates fully in their efforts.”

NEW PROVIDENCE, NJ - Springfield Avenue between Maple Street and Pitney Avenue in New Providence is closed in both directions due to large tree, utility pole and power lines down. It will remain closed until repairs can be made and the tree cleared. JCP&L is working to restore power outages.

If you need shelter due to the extreme cold, please contact the Borough at 908-665-1111.

NEW PROVIDENCE, NJ - Springfield Avenue between Maple Street and Pitney Avenue in New Providence is ...

BERKELEY HEIGHTS, NJ - The Berkeley Heights Diversity Council together with Autumn Lake Healthcare at Berkeley Heights will be having a Day of Service on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday, January 21, 2019 at 2:30 p.m.

Martin Luther King Day is a federal holiday held on the third Monday of January. It celebrates the life and achievements of Martin Luther King Jr., an influential American ...

BERKELEY HEIGHTS, NJ - Every school needs great teachers because teachers shape the education and future of their students. They are essential to growing and developing young minds. So what makes a good teacher?

Many students believe that good teachers create balanced and fair gradebooks. Some students such as sophomore Jason Pien are deeply concerned when teachers fail to “take in account if ...

BERKELEY HEIGHTS, NJ - Every school needs great teachers because teachers shape the education and ...

By
JULIA AUGENSTEIN AND REBECCA MASTROPASQUA, THE HIGHLANDER STAFF WRITERS

January 20, 2019

Most of the time, parents don’t understand the phrases that their kids are using to communicate with their friends; it all sounds like a made-up language. Here are some of the most popular phrases that are being used, along with definitions and how to use the words:

Bet - For sure.

-“You want to hang out after school?”

-“Bet.”

Weird Flex But Okay - Used to reply to something you ...

Most of the time, parents don’t understand the phrases that their kids are using to communicate ...

ELIZABETH, NJ - The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to present artwork from the Art from the HEART fine arts program on display at the Freeholders Gallery now until February 14. The public is invited to visit the Freeholders Gallery any time during regular business hours weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on the 6th floor of the Union County Administration Building, located ...

ELIZABETH, NJ - The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to present artwork from the ...

Atlantic Health System is proud to announce that Robert E. Mulcahy III was named 2019 Health System Trustee of the Year by the New Jersey Hospital Association. The Trustee of the Year honor, one of the Healthcare Leader Awards bestowed annually by NJHA, recognizes outstanding ...

WESTFIELD and NATIONAL -- Trader Joe’s, the popular supermarket featuring organic, vegan and everyday items -- and "Two-Buck Chuck" wines -- has released its 10th annual Customer Choice Awards, a list of favorite products by category.

Overall, the top entree was Mandarin Orange Chicken, followed by Cauliflower Gnocchi and Chicken Tikka Masala.

Creamy Spinach & Artichoke Dip was the ...

WESTFIELD and NATIONAL -- Trader Joe’s, the popular supermarket featuring organic, vegan and ...

SOUTH PLAINFIELD, NJ – With the freezing temperatures upon us, experts state that several key factors play an important role in maintaining a warm and safe home throughout the long, cold winter.

“Maintenance is keep when it comes to your home running safely and efficiently,” said Mike Iarrapino, owner of Edison Heating and Cooling. “Ensuring that your home is air tight and that your heating ...

SOUTH PLAINFIELD, NJ – With the freezing temperatures upon us, experts state that several key ...

BERKELEY HEIGHTS, NJ -- Winter storms, bad weather and sloppy road conditions are a factor in nearly half a million crashes and more than 2,000 road deaths every winter, according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. In fact, about 46 percent of all crashes involving bad weather take place in the winter.

This weekend's forecast, which has precipitated New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy to ...